On July 2, 2025 – The 2025 Taiwan International Ocean Forum (2025 TIOF), organized by the Ocean Affairs Council, was held from July 2 to July 3 in Hall 401 of the International Conference Center of National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH). With “maritime security” and “blue economy” as the two core axes, the forum aims to explore the increasingly complex global geopolitical situation and emerging security challenges, and to promote regional and global cooperation in ocean governance.
The historic Tour de France, the world’s best-known cycling event, launched the “L’Étape Series by Tour de France” to provide amateur cyclists an opportunity to experience the highest level of cycling events related to the Tour de France. In 2025, the “L’Étape Tour de France - Nutrilite Sun Moon Lake Station” will be held in Taiwan, the first Asian stop on the tour.
On the afternoon of July 1, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the 2025 Taiwan International Ocean Forum (TIOF). In remarks, President Lai noted that the people of Taiwan will continue to work with democratic partners throughout the world in a maritime spirit of freedom and openness to contribute to ocean governance and jointly ensure maritime security.
The National Museum of Taiwan Literature (NMTL) announced the selection results for its 2025 Writers-in-Residence selection of the Taiwan Literature Base on June 30. This year saw the highest number of applications and the greatest level of international participation since the program’s launch, with submissions from 70 writers across 21 countries—international applicants accounting for 65% of the total.
“Stinky tofu,” known in Chinese as chou doufu, is compared by some to blue cheese. It has been reported on by international media like the BBC and CNN, and a number of eateries that offer it have earned Michelin Bib Gourmand recommendations. It has even attracted a Japanese expert in fermentation to come to Taiwan. It is a dish that travelers to Taiwan should not miss out on.
Taiwan’s state-run Taiwan Power Co. and CPC Corp. won the 2025 Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA) presented June 27 in Bangkok, Thailand for commitment to social responsibility and sustainable operations.
